This page is supposed to provide (hopefully) useful informations for new Second Life Mentors.<br>Feel free to add content or leave me a comment at the [[User_talk:Zai_Lynch/Mentoring_101|related discussion page]] with your suggestions.

There are many more but I think that these are the most important for the group chat.

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There are many more but I think that these are the most important for the group chat. Have a look at the [[Acronyms]] for more.

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== Suggestions ==

== Suggestions ==

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* If someone asks for "''An Italian Mentor @ OI 3 for NAME''", please don't ask for a TP in return. It's way easier for you to open up the Map, type ''Orientation Island 3'' and hit the TP button then it is for the other one to find your profile in the group or in search to TP you.

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* If someone in the group chat asks for a specific Mentor and you wish to attend, please answer something like ''ok, be right there''. This way, other Mentors are informed that this request is obsolete and there won't be about 10 Mentors popping up to just one request. Remember: We're about 1600 people...

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* To be able to answer questions about the tutorials on Orientation Island, you should have a look at {{SLurl/simple|SL Volunteer OI|128|128|0|Volunteer OI}}, catch an Orientation HUD (beneath the ''HELP ISLAND'' sign in the middle of the island) and then start the tutorial on your own to get an impression on where problems might occur.

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* Save one unused Orientation HUD in your inventory. It's not possible to reset scripts at the Orientation Islands and if a newbie and/or a bug breaks a HUD, it's good to have one handy to replace it.

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* If someone in the group chat asks for a specific Mentor and you wish to attend, please answer something like ''ok, be right there''. This way, other Mentors are informed that this request is obsolete and there won't be about 10 Mentors popping up to just one request. Remember: We're more than 2500 people...

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* In group chat, ask directly what you are looking for and provide all necessary informations. Questions like ''Is there a spanish mentor available'' are just causing spam and maybe a flood of IMs for you. You could write instead ''I need a Spanish Mentor for NAME at PLACE''. S/he'll come there if s/he's available.

* In group chat, ask directly what you are looking for and provide all necessary informations. Questions like ''Is there a spanish mentor available'' are just causing spam and maybe a flood of IMs for you. You could write instead ''I need a Spanish Mentor for NAME at PLACE''. S/he'll come there if s/he's available.

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* There is no way to get out of an Orientation Island by using the ''search'' and pressing the provided ''teleport button''. It just won't do anything, also it's highlighted. Newbies can't use the ''map'' to do the job as well, 'cause for them, there is just a blue field displayed with nothing on it. So if a newbie wants to leave an OI to a specific place, don't tell them to use the search or the map. The only chance to leave it is using a landmark or receiving a teleportation invite.

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* There is no way to get out of an Help Island by using the ''search'' and pressing the provided ''teleport'' button. It just won't do anything, although it's highlighted. Newbies can't use the ''map'' to do the job either, 'cause for them, there is just a blue field displayed with nothing on it. So if a new Resident wants to leave an OI to a specific place, don't tell them to use the search or the map. The only chance to leave it is using a landmark or receiving a teleportation invite.

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** There are doors with the label "Enter Second Life" placed all over the Help Islands. You may tell them to click these in order to receive a landmark. This way, they'll also learn that they can interact with some objects in Second Life.

* Make sure that you read the [[Volunteer Group IM Guidelines]] before writing in the official Mentors group. If you want to chat, please join the [[Mental Mentors]].

* Make sure that you read the [[Volunteer Group IM Guidelines]] before writing in the official Mentors group. If you want to chat, please join the [[Mental Mentors]].

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* There is a ''Mentor Question and Answer Test Group'' running which you might want to join. [[Mentor_Q%26A_Test_Group|Read more about it]].

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* There is a ''Mentor Question and Answer Group'' running which you might want to join. [[Second_Life_Mentor_Q%26A|Read more about it]].

* We encourage new and existing Mentors and Apprentices arriving to create a Wiki Profile Page for yourself on the Second Life Wiki so people can always find you. There is a [[Quickie Wiki Intro]] page which might help you to do so.

* We encourage new and existing Mentors and Apprentices arriving to create a Wiki Profile Page for yourself on the Second Life Wiki so people can always find you. There is a [[Quickie Wiki Intro]] page which might help you to do so.

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* If you are not sure how you can find places where volunteers are needed, have a look at [[Inworld Locations for Volunteers]].

* If you are not sure how you can find places where volunteers are needed, have a look at [[Inworld Locations for Volunteers]].

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* Don't trust the dots! Orientation Islands might appear empty on the map while there is still the chance that they are pretty crowded. Just teleport there to have a look.

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== FAQs ==

== FAQs ==

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=====How can I teleport someone to an Help Island?=====

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=====How can I teleport someone to an Orientation Island?=====

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The person you'd like to teleport needs to be another Mentor or a new Resident on another Help Island and you got to activate the '''Admin Mode''' to enable teleports. The '''Admin Mode''' is switched on by pressing {{KeyCombo|ctrl=*|alt=*|V}} for Windows or Linux and {{KeyCombo|cmd=*|opt=*|V}} for Mac OS X.

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The person you'd like to teleport needs to be another Mentor or a new resident on another Orientation Island and you got to activate the '''Admin Mode''' to enable teleports. The '''Admin Mode''' is switched on by pressing ''CTRL'' + ''ALT'' + ''V'' for Windows or Linux and ''CTRL'' + ''CMD'' + ''V'' for Mac OS X.

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=====What should I do if an underaged (< 18 years) is on the main grid?=====

=====What should I do if an underaged (< 18 years) is on the main grid?=====

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File an Abuse Report, include the relevant chat which makes you think they might be underaged and they will become redirected to the ''Teen Grid''. There is no chance that s/he got accidentally on the main grid 'cause you got to enter your date of birth during the registration.

File an Abuse Report, include the relevant chat which makes you think they might be underaged and they will become redirected to the ''Teen Grid''. There is no chance that s/he got accidentally on the main grid 'cause you got to enter your date of birth during the registration.

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=====When I leave an OI or HI, my ''Home'' destination is the first place I TP from there. Any chance to avoid that?=====

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=====When I leave an HI, my ''Home'' destination is the first place I TP from there. Any chance to avoid that?=====

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No. You can only TP to your ''Home'' location first (''CTRL'' + ''ALT'' + ''H'') before going anywhere else so your new ''Home'' equals the old one. This is just for the restricted OIs and HIs not for OIP and HIP.

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No. You can only TP to your ''Home'' location first ({{KeyCombo|ctrl=*|alt=*|H}}) before going anywhere else so your new ''Home'' equals the old one. This is just for the restricted HIs not for OIP and HIP.

=====Do I have to file Abuse Reports? How and when to do it=====

=====Do I have to file Abuse Reports? How and when to do it=====

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Note: You don't ''have to'' file Abuse Reports. However, it is good to inform other residents on how they can manage it and when it is appropriate. [[Help:When_and_how_to_file_an_Abuse_Report|Click here to read more about it]].

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Note: You don't ''have to'' file Abuse Reports. However, it is good to inform other Residents on how they can manage it and when it is appropriate. [[Help:When_and_how_to_file_an_Abuse_Report|Click here to read more about it]]. Please also note that mentors are '''not''' police. Read the [http://vteamblog.com/2008/06/19/mentor-groups-hot-topic-question-help-with-abuse/ related VTeam Blog entry].

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=====What can I do if I think a resident might be in a personal crisis / suicidal?=====

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=====What can I do if I think a Resident might be in a personal crisis / suicidal?=====

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If you are not sure about the resident, ask directly if s/he thinks about harming her- or himself. If the answer is any other then ''Heck no!!'' please encourage the resident to search for professional help and provide a suicide hotline appropriate to the residents location. [[Help:Suicide_hotlines|Here are some]]. If you feel overstained, ask for help in the Group Channel.

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If you are not sure about the Resident, ask directly if s/he thinks about harming her- or himself. If the answer is any other then ''Heck no!!'' please encourage the Resident to search for professional help and provide a suicide hotline appropriate to the Resident's location. [[Help:Suicide_hotlines|Here are some]]. If you feel overstained, ask for help in the group channel.

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==Troubleshooting==

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=====What should I do with someone who is advertising the own business / passing Landmarks to own businesses at a restricted HI?=====

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Here are some links to common issues which might be experienced by a resident in SL and how to handle them.

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Advertising isn't allowed at HIs or WAs (see [http://secondlife.com/support/?questionID=3990 here]). Talk to the person. Ask politely to stop it. If s/he doesn't stop, AR (if you feel comfortable with it) and let LL decide on it.

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=====In case I don't know which Resident is responsible for a grief but I'd like to file an AR. Whose name can I fill in?=====

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In the case of an unknown source, it is permitted to enter the name of Blue Linden instead of the name of the unknown Resident in the AR. ([[User_talk:Blue_Linden#AR_unknown_user_.2F_object|Check over here]]).

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=====Can someone tell me how *(insert action here)* is working on a Mac?=====

* [[User:Lum_Pfohl/LSL_Goodies/HI-WA_Occupancy_Counter_System|Lums HI/WA HUD]] provides Metrics about how frequented HIs and WAs currently are and where Mentors are needed. Pick up one of her HUDs in the middle of SLVEC (follow the neon arrows (^_^) ).

*Mystical Cookie offers her [http://slexchange.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=120285 MystiTool HUD] for free if you are a Mentor. Visit her {{SLurl/simple|Avendale|212|252|21|Main Store in Avendale}}, activate your group tag and click on the box in the north eastern corner of her store with the hovering "SL Mentors! Click Here!" text. TYVM Mysti!

*Mystical Cookie offers her [http://slexchange.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=120285 MystiTool HUD] for free if you are a Mentor. Visit her {{SLurl/simple|Avendale|212|252|21|Main Store in Avendale}}, activate your group tag and click on the box in the north eastern corner of her store with the hovering "SL Mentors! Click Here!" text. TYVM Mysti!

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*The so called ''Multi Gadget'' by ''Timeless Prototype'' is available for free if you wear the Mentors tag. Go to the {{SLurl/simple|Tenera|187|106|71|Volunteer Headquarter in Tenera}} and look at the boxes. TYVM! You'll also find nice Mentor shirts and other items.

*The so called ''Multi Gadget'' by ''Timeless Prototype'' is available for free if you wear the Mentors tag. Go to the {{SLurl/simple|Tenera|187|106|71|Volunteer Headquarter in Tenera}} and look at the boxes. TYVM! You'll also find nice Mentor shirts and other items.

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* There is a Mentors Freebie Store at {{SLurl/simple|SL Volunteer Island|232|141|39|SL Volunteer Island}} with lots of full permission freebies to offer new residents.

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* There is a Mentors Freebie Store at {{SLurl/simple|SL Volunteer Island|232|141|39|SL Volunteer Island}} with lots of full permission freebies to offer new Residents.

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* Have a look at the kiosks around the landing point at [http://slurl.com/secondlife/SLVEC/120/128/22 SLVEC]!

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== Suggested Reading and Resources for Mentors ==

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*[[Volunteer Portal]]

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: This the gateway to much of our information. There is a lot of stuff here, if you dig for it.

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*[http://vteamblog.com/ VTeam Blog]

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: The VTEAM Blog has information about upcominng meeting & events, transcripts of meetings, and upcoming classes taught by mentors (week to week)

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*[[Monthly Mentor Meetings and Events Schedule]]

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: In case you missed the announcement at the VTeam blog, you'll find the next dated Monthly Mentor Meetings here.

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*[http://blog.secondlife.com/ Official SL Blog]

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: Please try to have an eye on that blog since it also announces critical inworld issues, viewer updates and much stuff that Residents might ask you about.

: Here are some userpages linked that might provide you some useful informations.

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*[http://jira.secondlife.com The Public Jira]

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: This is Second Life's public issue tracker known as the ''Jira''. Confusing? Have a look at [http://blog.secondlife.com/2008/01/31/tips-of-the-week-19-text-chat-macros-20-quick-searching-the-issue-tracker/ this video tutorial] on how to browse the ''Jira''.

There are many more but I think that these are the most important for the group chat. Have a look at the Acronyms for more.

Suggestions

If someone in the group chat asks for a specific Mentor and you wish to attend, please answer something like ok, be right there. This way, other Mentors are informed that this request is obsolete and there won't be about 10 Mentors popping up to just one request. Remember: We're about 1600 people...

In group chat, ask directly what you are looking for and provide all necessary informations. Questions like Is there a spanish mentor available are just causing spam and maybe a flood of IMs for you. You could write instead I need a Spanish Mentor for NAME at PLACE. S/he'll come there if s/he's available.

There is no way to get out of an Help Island by using the search and pressing the provided teleport button. It just won't do anything, although it's highlighted. Newbies can't use the map to do the job either, 'cause for them, there is just a blue field displayed with nothing on it. So if a new Resident wants to leave an OI to a specific place, don't tell them to use the search or the map. The only chance to leave it is using a landmark or receiving a teleportation invite.

There are doors with the label "Enter Second Life" placed all over the Help Islands. You may tell them to click these in order to receive a landmark. This way, they'll also learn that they can interact with some objects in Second Life.

There is a Mentor Question and Answer Group running which you might want to join. Read more about it.

We encourage new and existing Mentors and Apprentices arriving to create a Wiki Profile Page for yourself on the Second Life Wiki so people can always find you. There is a Quickie Wiki Intro page which might help you to do so.

FAQs

How can I teleport someone to an Help Island?

The person you'd like to teleport needs to be another Mentor or a new Resident on another Help Island and you got to activate the Admin Mode to enable teleports. The Admin Mode is switched on by pressing Ctrl-Alt-V for Windows or Linux and ⌘ Cmd-⌥ Alt-V for Mac OS X.

What should I do if an underaged (< 18 years) is on the main grid?

File an Abuse Report, include the relevant chat which makes you think they might be underaged and they will become redirected to the Teen Grid. There is no chance that s/he got accidentally on the main grid 'cause you got to enter your date of birth during the registration.

When I leave an HI, my Home destination is the first place I TP from there. Any chance to avoid that?

No. You can only TP to your Home location first (Ctrl-Alt-H) before going anywhere else so your new Home equals the old one. This is just for the restricted HIs not for OIP and HIP.

What can I do if I think a Resident might be in a personal crisis / suicidal?

If you are not sure about the Resident, ask directly if s/he thinks about harming her- or himself. If the answer is any other then Heck no!! please encourage the Resident to search for professional help and provide a suicide hotline appropriate to the Resident's location. Here are some. If you feel overstained, ask for help in the group channel.

What should I do with someone who is advertising the own business / passing Landmarks to own businesses at a restricted HI?

Advertising isn't allowed at HIs or WAs (see here). Talk to the person. Ask politely to stop it. If s/he doesn't stop, AR (if you feel comfortable with it) and let LL decide on it.

In case I don't know which Resident is responsible for a grief but I'd like to file an AR. Whose name can I fill in?

In the case of an unknown source, it is permitted to enter the name of Blue Linden instead of the name of the unknown Resident in the AR. (Check over here).

Usefull Tools for Mentors

Lums HI/WA HUD provides Metrics about how frequented HIs and WAs currently are and where Mentors are needed. Pick up one of her HUDs in the middle of SLVEC (follow the neon arrows (^_^) ).

Mystical Cookie offers her MystiTool HUD for free if you are a Mentor. Visit her Main Store in AvendaleD, activate your group tag and click on the box in the north eastern corner of her store with the hovering "SL Mentors! Click Here!" text. TYVM Mysti!

The so called Multi Gadget by Timeless Prototype is available for free if you wear the Mentors tag. Go to the Volunteer Headquarter in TeneraD and look at the boxes. TYVM! You'll also find nice Mentor shirts and other items.

There is a Mentors Freebie Store at SL Volunteer IslandD with lots of full permission freebies to offer new Residents.